Purakaunui Falls, South Island. The Purakaunui Falls are a vision of beauty in Otago on the East Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The water cascades down the tiers of rock ledges and creates a picturesque scene in Otago on the South Island of New Zealand. The autumn leaves that have fallen from the trees above, float down the Purakaunui Falls which adds a colorful display to the already stunning area. These falls are situated in a very quiet area amongst beautiful greenery that grows to its fullest along the Catlins Highway in Otago on the South Island of New Zealand. The falls can be very soothing to the human mind during this time of year but come winter and spring the Purakaunui Falls can be flowing at full force through this unique landscape.